The 1st XI suffered a 5 – 1 home defeat against OBCFC today, in what was their worst display of the Season. Admittedly a number of absentees hampered their cause,  although that is not an excuse as we were simply poor overall. Steve Berry equalised for the Ruts in the first half, only for the team to concede shortly before the interval. Two quick goals at the start of the second half killed the game as a contest and the game eventually finished at 5 – 1. The closest the Ruts came in the second period was a powering header from Whitto which smashed against the bar. Onwards and upwards from next week hopefully.

The 2nd XI were without a game today and we are waiting for confirmation of the 3rd team results.

1st XI Away to Old Plymouthians at 2.00pm (Ruts to wear Gold/Black kit) Venue: Croygas Sports Ground,48 Molliinson Drive,Wallington SM6 9BY

2nd XI Home to London Saints at 2.30pm (Poplar Road)

3rd XI Home  to Sutton High Res at 2.00pm. Venue: Nursery Road Rec. No showers at ground due to burst pipes.Use Abbey Rec if you want.

Sunday the Vets are Away to Cobham Vets at 10.30am. Venue:Leg of Mutton Ground, Cobham

The 1st XI lost 1 – 0 due to an Own Goal for the second time this season!… hopefully the tide of luck will change soon! The 2nd XI drew 3 – 3 away with the Oppo leveling late from a debatable penalty. Andy Flanagan, Phil Lines and an OG. The 3rd XI won 2 – 1 away with goals from Turner and Gough.

Owing to the heavy rainfall over the past few days Training has been postponed for tonight. The Clubhouse and Bar are open as per usual for those who fancy a catch-up.

The 1st XI picked up their first points of the Season in a battling display against Bookham FC. Two late penalties were well converted by Steve Berry, one of which he one himself, the other was won by Ben Kennett. 3 points and a clean sheet will hopefully kick-start the season. Billy Liffen was the OR’s man of the match.

The 2nd and 3rd XI’s both had days to forget. The 2nds went down 4 – 1 to NPL away with only a Phil Lines consolation strike and a MOTM display from Jon Taylor to soften the blow.

The 3rd XI suffered a 4 – 2 defeat at Alliance Athletic with the OR’s goals coming from Paul Gough and George Tidey. Jack McGoldrick was the Ruts MOTM.

old ruts vets 5 knollmead vets 3  R,Lines x2   S.Ryder ,S.Young, S.Minnihane

Our good friend and supporter Mr John Crook sadly passed away last Friday on the19th of September and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Jean and their family,

John was the real deal and I fondly referred to him as Mr Football. He was a Life Vice President, former Chairman and Director of the Surrey County F.A, and also the President of the Wimbledon & District League and the Wimbledon Referees Society. He was also a former Football League match official who was responsible for training over a 1000 others to take up the Whistle over the years, including my Dad and Uncle. I have probably only skimmed the surface on his contribution to football and apologise if this is the case. He was a wonderful man outside of football too and he will be sorely missed by all of his friends and family.

Many of you will remember John for his good humour, jokes, speeches and trophy presentations at our Annual Football Dinners and many photos are still on our website.

Truly a legendary top bloke, friend & advisor who had the uncanny knack of offering me great advice, whilst also dealing me a few ‘get out of jail cards’ in my early football admin years! R.I.P Johnny.

John’s funeral is on Friday the 3rd of October, 4.40pm at North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden Lane, Morden, SM4 4NU and his Wake is at the Clubhouse – Old Rutlishians’ Association, Poplar Road, Merton Park, SW19 3JS.

Gavin Lennard

Definitely a case of ‘bad day at the office’. The 1st XI went down 4 – 1 away, albeit a scoreline which flattered the hosts. Dean Riordan scored for the Ruts. The 2nd XI went down 4 – O at home after a goal-less first period and the 3rd XI bowed out of the County Cup 2 – 1. Best wishes to the Vets tomorrow.

We have 2 fixtures against our local neighbours Merton FC. Both at Joseph Hood Rec, Martin Way. 1st XI KO @ 2pm (meet 1pm) and 2nd XI’s KO at 4pm (meet by 3pm) . Let your Manager know your availability at Training tonight.

Chiddingfold have pulled the plug on tomorrows scheduled fixtures owing to player availability issues. We have managed to find 1 replacement fixture for Mike Lines’s 2nd/3rd XI Squad and they will travel to play Norton FC at Nutfield Leisure Centre, 1212 London Road, Norbury, London, SW16 4DN.

Alas the 1st XI are now without a fixture and the players have been stood down to enjoy shopping excursions and DIY etc! Alternatively, come down the Ruts for a drink and see some of the improvements going on in the Clubhouse and Dressing Rooms.

We have 2 games at Chiddingfold FC this Saturday http://www.chiddingfoldfc.co.uk It’s quite a long journey so make the meet time on time!! If you are going direct then let your Manager know!

First game – meet midday at the Old Ruts Clubhouse.
Second game – meet 2pm at the Old Ruts Clubhouse.